Technical Program Manager, Hardware, Optimus

About the role

Technical Program Manager, Hardware, Optimus | Tesla (Engineering & Information Technology)

Location: Palo Alto, California | Req ID: 282488 | Job Type: Full-time

What to Expect

We are looking for a Technical Program Manager who will take full end-to-end ownership of one of our critical commodities — from initial design and prototyping through firmware integration, supply chain, production ramp, and service feedback that shapes the next generation. This role is new product introduction, not sustaining program management.

You will act as the central thread connecting engineering, firmware, manufacturing, supply chain, and service teams. Your ability to drive clarity, manage complex timelines, and translate real-world learnings into actionable product improvements will directly determine our speed of iteration and the quality and cost of Optimus at scale.

What You'll Do

• Partner closely with engineering teams during the full design and prototyping process, providing real-time feedback on design trade-offs, material selections, and manufacturability to ensure decisions made early in development positively impact production outcomes, cost, and quality
• Actively participate in firmware and software discussions with cross-functional stakeholders to define clear requirements, resolve integration challenges, and ensure the commodity performs reliably within the complete Optimus system architecture
• Own the entire supply chain for your assigned commodity — including supplier selection, qualification, ongoing performance management, risk assessment, and mitigation strategies against geopolitical, material, or capacity disruptions
• Lead production planning activities to support prototype builds, pilot lines, and volume manufacturing ramps with high predictability and on-time delivery
• Systematically review field service data, reliability metrics, and customer feedback Convert these insights into clear, prioritized recommendations that drive design improvements, reliability enhancements, and process changes for next-generation Optimus releases
• Develop and maintain comprehensive, integrated program timelines across all development phases (concept, prototype, validation, production, and sustainment) using tools such as MS Project, Jira, or Asana Identify critical paths, surface risks early, escalate appropriately, and deliver consistent status updates to leadership and program stakeholders
• Operate with high ownership and urgency, bridging gaps across hardware, software, supply chain, and service to keep the program moving at Tesla speed

What You'll Bring

• Proven experience as a Technical Program Manager in robotics, automotive, consumer electronics, or high-volume manufacturing environments
• Strong technical aptitude with the ability to engage deeply in both mechanical design and firmware/software discussions
• Demonstrated end-to-end ownership of a commodity or major subsystem — including design influence, supply chain development, production ramp, and field feedback loops
• Proficiency with project management tools (MS Project, Jira, Asana) and the ability to build clear, actionable timelines and dashboards
• Exceptional cross-functional communication and influence skills. You thrive in ambiguous, fast-paced environments and can drive alignment without direct authority
• Data-driven mindset with the ability to translate field and service data into meaningful product changes
• Degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, or equivalent experience

Benefits

Along with competitive pay, as a full-time Tesla employee, you are eligible for the following benefits at day 1 of hire:

• Medical plans > plan options with $0 payroll deduction
• Family-building, fertility, adoption and surrogacy benefits
• Dental (including orthodontic coverage) and vision plans, both have options with a $0 paycheck contribution
• Company Paid (Health Savings Accounts) HSA Contribution when enrolled in the High-Deductible medical plan with HSA
• Healthcare and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• 401(k) with employer match, Employee Stock Purchase Plans, and other financial benefits
• Company paid Basic Life, AD&D
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance (90 day waiting period)
• Employee Assistance Program
• Sick and Vacation time (Flex time for salary positions, Accrued hours for Hourly positions), and Paid Holidays
• Back-up childcare and parenting support resources
• Voluntary benefits to include: critical illness, hospital indemnity, accident insurance, theft & legal services, and pet insurance
• Weight Loss and Tobacco Cessation Programs
• Tesla Babies program
• Commuter benefits
• Employee discounts and perks program
• Earned Wage Access: Real-time pay access paid daily, subject to eligibility and schedule (applicable for below Sr. Managers levels)

Expected Compensation$112,000 - $168,000/annual salary + cash and stock awards + benefitsPay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. The total compensation package for this position may also include other elements dependent on the position offered. Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if an employee receives an offer of employment.